Before graduating from university, Ally Kelly struggled with depression and a lack of self-confidence.

During the past three years, Ms Kelly has worked to support herself financially while she established a not-for-profit organisation that uses theatre to help youth tackle depression and mental health issues.

When Illawarra ITeC donated $500 to urgently feed 54 children in an African orphanage two weeks ago it uncovered some important work being done by two Wollongong men who have known each other since childhood.

During the past 30 years, Mr Rymer has helped hundreds of war widows and returned services personnel access entitlements such as totally and permanently incapacitated benefits, war widows' pensions and the gold card.

His mission started when he became honorary secretary of Dapto RSL sub-branch. Now he serves as a pension officer.

Bruce Mitchell worked hard to make a living but since retiring 12 years ago he has worked just as hard to save lives at sea.

After running a Top Taste cakes and Big Ben pies franchise for many years, he now encourages everyone who goes out to sea to log in with Marine Rescue with details on where they are going and when they expect to return.

John and Margaret Purcell's son Dennis is never far from their thoughts.

When the counsellors lost their 25-year-old son to a mental illness last decade, they decided to fulfil a dream to start a volunteer organisation to help people affected by poverty, mental illness, depression, drug and alcohol addiction and loss by suicide.